Peru shuts out Australia for first World Cup win in 40 years

The 0-0 draw between France and Denmark made the result of this one moot in terms of knockout-round scenarios — the two European sides will advance out of Group C — but Peru made the most of its few chances and scored its first World Cup victory since 1978, much to the delight of the many fans who followed them to Russia.

Australia, meanwhile, seemed sapped of energy from the start of the second half, its attack turning pedestrian in the Sochi heat and humidity. The Socceroos have now gone six World Cup games without a victory, last winning in 2010. They failed to score during the run of play this time around, notching goals only on penalty kicks.

The Socceroos will now turn to Graham Arnold, who takes over as coach from Bert van Marwijk. Arnold’s task will not merely be getting the team out of Asian qualifying, but making more noise once it actually makes the World Cup.